Overview

Essential tremor is a disorder of the nervous system that causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking (tremor), especially in the hands. It involves tremor without any other signs or symptoms, and is distinguished from tremor that results from other disorders or known causes, such as tremors seen with Parkinson disease or head trauma.[1] Essential tremor (sometimes called benign essential tremor) is the most common of the more than 20 types of tremor.[2] The causes of essential tremor are unknown. Several genes as well as environmental factors likely play a role in a person's risk of developing this complex condition.[1] In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary. In cases where symptoms interfere with daily living, medications may help to relieve symptoms.[3]

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In Depth Information

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Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

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Other Names for this Disease

Benign essential tremor

Familial essential tremor

Hereditary essential tremor

Presenile tremor syndrome

Tremor, hereditary essential, 1

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